5 Dreamy Day Trips from Brussels You Have to Experience

Brussels has a lucky position of being in the very center of Europe, which makes it that much easier to visit all other cities and make an exciting day trip (or weekend trip) out of it. Fun fact: did you know that Brussel sprouts have been grown in Belgium for over 700 years? But enough about that! If you need to get out of the city and explore new sceneries, here are 5 dreamy day trips from Brussels you absolutely have to take to see more of Belgium. Bonus point: You can travel to all of these destinations in 2 hours or less! Let's go on an adventure!

Bruges

The first on our list is, of course, Bruges. This picturesque fairytale-like city is a must-visit for those looking for an Instagrammable experience. This medieval town will definitely charm you and make you feel completely refreshed. Trust us, there’s a reason why everyone who has ever lived in Brussels has been here. And the best part? You can easily reach Bruges in just one hour and make it a true day trip!

How to get to Bruges from Brussels: Take a direct train from Brussels Midi, Brussels Central or Brussels Nord

Travel time: 1hr 5min

Leuven

Leuven might not be on the list of many, but this unique city is full of students - it was also rated as one of the best cities for an Erasmus student experience. With that in mind, you can also find plenty of places to relax for a day, including large parks, a medieval village, and a botanical garden. You’ll be surrounded by adventure as soon as you step out of the train station. While small, Leuven offers a perfect day trip from Brussels!

How to get to Leuven from Brussels: Take a direct train from Bruxelles-Midi.

Travel time: 30min

De Haan

Now we’re talking! Central Europe might be cold and the weather might not be ideal, but if you’re missing the sound of the ocean, taking a walk down the beach for a few hours can definitely do the job. De Haan is best known as a beach resort, but many don’t even know that one of its residents was actually the smartest person on the planet. That’s right, Albert Einstein lived here for at least a couple of months.

How to get to De Haan from Brussels: Bruxelles-Central, step off at Oostende Station

Travel time: 2hrs

Dinant

Dinant is a small city with a unique position. It features a picturesque cliff, surrounded by River Meuse. The city’s origin dates back to 10th century and it’s yet another must-visit for those who need some new Instagram shots. And if that doesn’t do it for you, it also features an awesome castle on top of that cliff from where you can take some of the best pictures ever, or take a river cruise to admire it from below. Sold!

Ghent

Ghent is a port city that’s best known for its stunning architecture and - surprisingly - student nightlife. The place is buzzing with students, which means there’s always something to do or a party to attend. But if that’s not your thing, you should definitely get a feel of this magical medieval city. No wonder it’s been named ‘Belgium’s best kept secret.’

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